Of course, the taste isn’t the same, but there’s less guilt attached to it, and my conscience is too strong a force to allow anything else.
“Does she bear a family name? Her father’s name?” Lysander’s question shakes me out of my stupor.
Shaking my head clear, I glance his way. “I don’t believe so. At least Lord Henri hasn’t spoken of it.”
“Well, since she was found in the gutter, her family name must not hold any importance.”
His comment strikes me. Before Lord Henri, my family name didn’t hold much worth either. Before the fire and the death of my mother and brother, those in the Brenin family were always farmers and stable hands. There was nothing attached to my name either.
A pleased grin curls Henri’s thin lips as he links arms with Haven, revealing perfect, straight white teeth. I stand very still, my skin prickling with heat as I watch them descend the stairs together. Haven’s silver gown shimmers with her every move, and Henri seems pleased to have her by his side. But Haven remains timid and reserved.
Uncomfortable being in the presence of luxury? I know it took me some time to get used to.
“Avrum,” Henri begins, when they finally reach thebottom and stand before me, “what a marvelous little gathering you have thrown here.”
My chest inflates with pride and I pull back my shoulders. Little may be an understatement since there are over a hundred guests here, but I appreciate the sentiment just the same. “Thank you, my lord.” I glance at Haven, whose attention drops to the mosaic floor at her feet. The swell of her full breasts rise and fall with each breath, drawing my attention to where it shouldn’t be. A band clenches underneath her bosom, at the narrowest part of her waist, and the many folds of cloth come out and fall to the floor in elegant swoops and pickups. Similar to the sapphire necklace that hugs her throat, an assortment of bracelets decorate both her wrists. The jewels glitter underneath the grand chandelier.
Now, being this close to her, I can see that she’s more of a woman than a young girl. She has to be no younger than nineteen.
“Miss Haven.” I greet her with a small dip of my head.
The muscles in her jaw work as she grinds her teeth, her eyes flashing with anger. The change in her takes me aback.
“Haven, don’t be rude.” Henri’s voice is like silk as he pats her slender arm, and her body tenses.
After a long moment, she replies in a very stiff manner, “It is a pleasure to see you gentlemen again.” But it’s clear it’s not a pleasure to her at all.
Lysander chuckles, his laughter quick and false. “I’m sure it is.”
Henri gives the two of us an apologetic smile. “Haven still isn’t used to formalities, but she is learning,” he says. “Excuse me, gentlemen. I must make my way around to my guests and introduce them to my newest treasure.” Before he turns around to leave, he stops himself. “Oh, Avrum. It almost slipped my mind. I’m afraid I must ask one more thing of you.”
“Anything, my lord.”
“Since Haven is new to our family, she may still be a little confused as to how things are managed here.” Henri glances down at her with a sympathetic look. “I would like you to watch over her. Make sure she is safe.”
Something inside me flutters awake at the idea. “Yes, my lord.”
Haven’s eyes widen, and I can hear her heart race out of fear.
“She’ll be safe as long as she stays within Greystone Manor and on the grounds. I won’t have her gallivanting where she can be harmed, or lost again to England’s poverty,” Henri says.
“What?” Haven snaps at him. “Lost again?”
Her outburst catches me off guard, but Henri remains calm and collected, like always.
“Yes, lost,” he answers, and turns back to me. “As I said before, she may still be a bit confused. It’s to be expected for a woman in her situation. She will understand in time that I only mean to help her. I need you to protect her until then. Can you do that for me, Avrum?”
“Of course, my lord.”
“Excellent. Now, I must introduce her to this new life. If you’ll excuse me.” Henri nods once and leads Haven away from us across the floor. The music begins again, and the dancing couples resume their places.
“It’s difficult to believe she’s the same girl Henri rescued a few nights ago,” I muse, once Lysander and I are alone again. My gaze lingers across the room where Henri and Haven stroll. While he laughs and smiles at others, Haven’s demeanor stays tense and angry.
How strange.
As if sensing my stare, she glances over her shoulder, and I quickly roll my eyes to the chandelier instead. Its many candles flicker like stars above us.
“I’m not surerescuedis the correct term to use,” Lysander mutters beside me.
